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Ancient rocks reveal continent-breaking critical mineral origins Rare rocks buried deep beneath central Australia have revealed the origins of one of the world’s most promising new deposits of niobium. The Curtin University-led study found the newly discovered niobium-rich carbonatites were emplaced more than 800 million years ago, rising from deep within the Earth through pre-existing fault zones during a tectonic rifting event that ultimately tore apart the supercontinent Rodinia. Lead author Dr Maximilian Dröllner, from the Timescales of Mineral Systems Group within Curtin’s Frontier Institute for Geoscience Solutions and the University of Göttingen, says the findings shed new light on how rare, metal-rich magmas...

Fenix wins 290mt iron ore project Fenix Resources (ASX: FEX) has signed a 30-year agreement, for exclusive iron ore mining rights at the Weld Range project in WA, with Sinosteel Midwest Corporation.  The project, about 500km from Geraldton, hosts an iron ore grade of 56.8% and encompasses several high-grade hematite direct shipping ore deposits, including the premium Beebyn-W11 deposit with 20.5mt of ore at a grade of 61.3%.  Fenix executive chairman John Welborn says securing the project immediately surrounding the company’s existing operations in the Weld Range is a game changer.   “Development...

Critical battery breakthrough at Curtin A game-changing technology delivering greener and faster production of a critical battery material has been awarded at the 2025 Curtinnovation Awards.   The winner of the events major prize, the Griffith Hack Overall category, was the Curtin Carbon Group for RapidGraphite which uses a new method to create synthetic graphite — a key component of lithium-ion batteries.  The technology uses catalytic processing and renewable waste carbon such as woodchips, agricultural waste or even plastics to sustainably produce high-performance graphite without  conventional mining or energy-intensive refining.  Curtin University...

2025 AREEA Industry Awards honours trailblazers The resources, mining and energy sector’s most innovative businesses and individuals have been celebrated at the 2025 AREEA Industry Awards last week.  Announced at AREEA’s Gala Dinner events in Brisbane and Perth, the annual Industry Awards recognise outstanding workplace achievements across wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, innovation and leadership.  AREEA chief executive Steve Knott says the winners reflected the sector’s ability to adapt, innovate and lead through transformative times.  “Our industry continues...

McArthur River's historic heritage agreement Glencore has signed a cultural heritage management agreement with the Gudanji Yanyuwa Garrwa Marra Aboriginal Corporation (GYGM).   The agreement builds on a previous landmark cooperation agreement signed in April 2025 between McArthur River mine, in the Northern Territory, and the GYGM, cementing a shared commitment to recognise, respect and manage cultural heritage ensuring culture and mining can coexist responsibly.  GYGM executive officer Nicholas Fitzpatricks says since the mine started 30 years ago, the GYGM...

Sandvik set to accelerate longwall mining Sandvik is introducing its next generation bolter miner for longwall mining, featuring the latest bolting technologies to increase productivity, improve safety and reduce costs. Adding onto the proven reliability of Sandvik MB670-1, the upgraded Sandvik MB672 is purpose-engineered for longwall mining operations. As underground coal mining continues to embrace automation and digitalisation to enhance safety and efficiency, Sandvik is advancing bolting technology with innovative solutions designed to automate the bolting process. The fully automated cutting cycle known as Cutronic, allows for consistent, faster...

China’s energy industries thrive under pressure Edith Cowan University (ECU) has found that China’s stringent environmental regulations could potentially be enhancing productivity in the new energy sector.  A report released in collaboration between ECU and Harbin University of Science and Technology, Environmental regulation and firm productivity: evidence from China’s new energy industry, investigated the new energy industry, a strategic industry for China, and the mechanisms through which environmental policies could affect productivity at a firm level.  According to the report, China has seen unprecedented economic development since the launch...

AusIMM leading conferences next week AusIMM, the peak body and trusted voice for resources professionals, will make Perth the centre for knowledge sharing and professional development next week when it hosts the Critical Minerals Conference, New Leaders Summit and co-hosts CRIRSCO Minerals Reporting Colloquium.   More than 1,000 delegates will participate in the events commencing September 2. The week will showcase AusIMM’s unique role to lead conversations on the future of the sector, share the latest knowledge and promote professional excellence.   Taking the critical minerals conversation to new heights  From September 2-4 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC), 700 delegates from 20 countries will explore...

Lynas posts 90% profit plunge, flags uncertainty in US plant Lynas Rare Earths (ASX: LYC) net profit after tax fell to $8m for FY25, a sharp decline from $84.5m in FY24. The miner has cited depreciation on plant and equipment at its Kalgoorlie facility and Mt Weld coupled with lower than nameplate production at the Kalgoorlie facility as contributing factors. Lynas has also noted its significant uncertainty as to whether the construction of its heavy rare earth processing facility at Seadrift, Texas in the US will proceed and if so, in what form. Lynas has an expenditure-based contract...

Westgold’s profit takes a hit despite record revenue Westgold (ASX: WGX) posted a net profit after tax of $35m in FY25, down from FY24’s $95m, citing impacts from one-off transaction and admin costs. Increased depreciation and amortisation resulting from the larger cost base and production from the Southern Goldfields and higher income tax year on year also contributed to the lower profit, according to Westgold. The miner maintained its full exposure to the higher gold prices throughout the year, which when combined with record production delivered a record yearly revenue of $1.36b, an increase of 90%. The incorporation of the...

CTTW2025 highlights innovation and global partnerships Copper to the World 2025 concluded yesterday after two full days of discussion, insight and collaboration, bringing together global leaders to address the critical role of copper in powering the future. BHP (ASX: BHP) copper South Australia asset president Anna Wiley highlighted the company’s historical and ongoing significance in the state and its central role in the global copper industry. She outlined major projects underway across South Australia and reinforced BHP’s commitment to sustainability, with a focus on reducing emissions, investing in renewable energy and advancing long-term water solutions to support future growth. The South Australia Energy and Mining Department...